Pakistan cricket team interim head coach Aaqib Javed has stated that a bowler conceding four sixes is not a major concern and that fast bowler Shaheen Shah Afridi must continue improving his game to establish himself in international cricket.

 

Speaking to the media in Auckland on Thursday, Javed emphasised the need for fast bowlers to keep enhancing their performances.

 

"If Shaheen wants to prove himself in international cricket, he needs to do even better," Javed said.

 

He acknowledged that playing in New Zealand is challenging as the boundaries are small but expressed confidence in the Pakistan team's ability to bounce back in the series.

 

"If our batters score well at the top, we can win. The Pakistan team will make a comeback and can win the series," he asserted.

 

Javed also addressed concerns over Pakistan's two consecutive losses in the T20I series against New Zealand, hinting at possible changes in the playing XI.

 

"People are upset after losing two matches. We may make one or two changes in the third T20I," he revealed.

 

He also reflected on the debate surrounding Sarfaraz Ahmed's captaincy, saying, "That discussion is four years old now. The T20 team that was performing well two years ago is no longer the same. Cricket has changed in these two years, and now teams are being built separately for T20Is."

 

Javed confirmed that Pakistan is also working on forming a specialised T20 squad.

 

"We are trying to build a separate team for T20s. Strike rate holds great importance in this format," he explained.

 

Javed stressed that Pakistan's primary focus is the upcoming Asia Cup and T20 World Cup, both of which will be played in India.

 

"Big scores are made on Asian pitches. The conditions in South Africa, New Zealand, and Australia are tough, and playing there is not easy," he noted.

 

Referring to Pakistan's recent series in Australia, he pointed out that high-scoring matches are uncommon in such conditions.

 

"When young players play in difficult conditions, they gain confidence. The experience gained here will be very useful in Asian conditions," he added.

 

Javed concluded by expressing optimism about Pakistan's squad, saying, "The real preparation is for the Asia Cup and World Cup. Once Saim Ayub and Fakhar Zaman join the team, it will become a strong unit."

 

Pakistan's cricket team is currently in New Zealand, playing three ODIs and five T20 matches.

 

Pakistan has already lost both matches of the T20 series.